The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) has notified Congress of a potential foreign military sale (FMS) of Tomahawk Block IV torpedo launched land-attack missiles to the UK.

Under the estimated $140m FMS programme, the UK has requested up to 65 missiles, in addition to containers, engineering support, test equipment and operational flight test support, as well as associated equipment, parts, training and logistical support.

"The all-weather, long-range, subsonic cruise missile is deployed for land-attack warfare."

Other elements include communications equipment, technical assistance, personnel training / equipment and spare and repair parts.

Mainly aimed at improving the military capabilities of the UK and boosting weapon system standardisation and interoperability, the proposed sale would also improve the UK’s ability to participate in coalition operations with the US Navy.

Raytheon Missile Systems is the prime contractor for the FMS programme.

The Tomahawk Block IV missiles are capable of being launched aboard surface ships equipped with the vertical launching system (VLS), submarines with cable landing stations (CLS), and submarines with torpedo tube-launch systems (TTL).

The all-weather, long-range, subsonic cruise missile is deployed for land-attack warfare. The UK already has Tomahawk missiles in its inventory.

Defence Technology